The local organiser of the Pembrokeshire and Carmarthen West WASPI Women of Wales, who continue their fight for State Pension justice, has said that the huge change in the political landscape has given hope to millions of 1950s women.

Whilst congratulating Keir Starmer on becoming the new Prime Minister, local organiser Jackie Gilderdale said that there could be light at the end of the tunnel, and hopes that Labour’s leader will accept an invitation for mediation talks with the leaders of all 50s Women’s Groups as soon as possible.

All three elected MPs for the locality - Henry Tufnell (Mid and South Pembrokeshire); Ben Lake (Ceredigion); and Ann Davies (Caerfyrddin) have been contacted by the local group who have asked to meet with them as soon as possible.

They will also resume their work with Delyth Jewell and Ioan Bellin of Plaid Cymru at the Senedd.

Jackie said that she has a great relationship with Mr Lake already, after multiple awareness campaigns across Ceredigion a few years ago.

Plaid Cymru have also said they’ll support a Public Inquiry should the women be forced down that route.

After years of lobbying, attending meetings and providing evidence, Welsh Parliament drew up the ask of Wales in March this year, based on proven maladministration in full and proven discrimination.

This ask was sent to the then Conservative Government and former DWP minister, Mel Stride. This will be presented again to the new UK Labour Government, who received a copy back in March.

“Keir Starmer has quoted quite often, during multiple campaigns for the 1950s women, that they must be compensated as there is a ‘debt of honour’ - we will now hold him to this,” said Jackie.

“3.6 million women were impacted by the raise in the state pension age, most without notice. Approximately 270,000 have died during this campaign and currently one 50s born woman dies every 13.5 minutes.

“So many will never see their state pension, or any financial redress and that’s why the ask from Welsh Parliament is so important and includes posthumous payments to those who’ve passed away.